The Best Private Schools in Basalt, Idaho
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Basalt. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Grace Lutheran School
Grace Lutheran Church
Grace Lutheran School is a highly-regarded Christian private school serving the Southeast Idaho region, including Basalt. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong academic foundation rooted in Christian values. Features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, music education, and competitive sports. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings and provides transportation options for students from surrounding communities.
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St. Joseph's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Boise
St. Joseph's Catholic School is a premier college-preparatory institution serving students throughout Southeast Idaho, including the Basalt area. The school offers rigorous academic programs with multiple Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts education, and competitive athletic programs. With a focus on character development and academic excellence, St. Joseph's boasts high college acceptance rates and strong community involvement. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.
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The Good Samaritan School
Independent Christian School
The Good Samaritan School provides classical Christian education to students throughout the Pocatello region, serving families from Basalt and surrounding communities. The school emphasizes character development, critical thinking, and traditional academic excellence through a classical education model. Programs include comprehensive language arts, mathematics, science, and history curricula enhanced by technology integration and outdoor education opportunities. Known for its strong parent community and individualized attention, the school maintains small class sizes and high academic standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Basalt, Idaho
What are the specific private school options available for families in Basalt, Idaho, and what are their educational affiliations?
In Basalt, Idaho, families have a few distinct private school options, each with a specific religious affiliation. The primary choices are Grace Lutheran School (Lutheran Christian), St. Joseph's Catholic School (Roman Catholic), and The Good Samaritan School (Christian, often non-denominational or interdenominational). Given Basalt's small-town setting, these schools typically offer a K-8 education. It's important for parents to directly contact each school to confirm current grade offerings, as private schools in smaller Idaho communities can sometimes adjust their ranges based on enrollment. There are no large, independent college-preparatory academies within Basalt itself; families seeking that model may need to look at schools in larger nearby cities.
How does tuition at private schools in Basalt, Idaho, compare to the state average, and are there any Idaho-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition at private schools in Basalt tends to be below the national average for private education, reflecting Idaho's overall cost of living, but it is a significant consideration for local family budgets. Annual tuition can range broadly, often from approximately $4,000 to $8,000 per student. A key Idaho-specific financial consideration is the Idaho Education Tax Credit, which allows taxpayers to receive a credit of up to 50% of their donations to qualified "educational improvement" organizations, which can include scholarship funds for private schools. Additionally, some schools may participate in the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) for eligible families. Each Basalt school manages its own financial aid and scholarship programs, so inquiring directly is essential.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Basalt, Idaho, offer that leverage the local environment or community?
Private schools in Basalt often integrate the region's rural character and strong community values into their programs. This can include outdoor education and environmental science projects that utilize the nearby natural landscapes, agricultural components in science curricula, and a strong emphasis on community service within Basalt and the surrounding county. Given their religious affiliations, all local schools incorporate faith-based learning and character education as a core part of their curriculum. Extracurriculars are typically community-focused and may include local sports leagues, music programs through the church community, and participation in regional academic competitions among other small Idaho private schools.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Basalt, Idaho?
The enrollment process for Basalt's private schools usually begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year, often with priority given to re-enrolling students and siblings. Given the limited seats in these small schools, applying by March or April is highly advisable. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, a family interview, and possibly a student assessment. Some schools may require pastor or character references due to their religious nature. Unlike in larger districts, there is no centralized application system; parents must contact each school (Grace Lutheran, St. Joseph's, or Good Samaritan) individually for their specific forms and deadlines. Rolling admission may be offered if spaces remain.
For families considering both sectors, what are the practical differences between the public Minidoka County School District and private schools in Basalt, Idaho?
The primary differences lie in scale, curriculum focus, and community environment. The public school in Basalt is part of the larger Minidoka County School District, offering a secular education, standardized state curricula, and potentially more extensive resources for special education or advanced programs through the district network. In contrast, Basalt's private schools offer much smaller class sizes, a specific religious and values-based education integrated throughout the day, and a tight-knit community feel. Transportation is a key practical consideration; public schools provide busing, while private school families are usually responsible for their own transportation. For high school, Basalt students typically attend a public high school in a neighboring town, whereas the local private options generally end at 8th grade.